When Cities Go Nuclear: Exploring the Applications of Nuclear Batteries Toward Energy Transformation

Abstract

Global society faces the pressing question of how to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels while meeting increasing energy demand. In comparison to solar and wind energy, nuclear power has been largely ignored in urban studies research. However, nuclear energy has recently regained attention through the emergence of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and as the stakes of decarbonization become increasingly essential. To evaluate situations in which SMRs bring value to urban energy mixes, this paper focuses on Nuclear Batteries (NBs), a specific class of SMRs, that can fit in standard shipping containers. First, we outline an evaluation framework for the use and application of NBs; second, we present use cases for NBs in real-world situations, from disaster relief to grid reinforcement; and third, we discuss the social challenges around this technology.